Joystiqhttp://www.joystiq.com
Joystiqhttp://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gifJoystiqhttp://www.joystiq.com
en-usCopyright 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only.Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/02/unreal-tournament-3-stalker-games-update-following-gamespy-shut/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/02/unreal-tournament-3-stalker-games-update-following-gamespy-shut/http://www.joystiq.com/2014/06/02/unreal-tournament-3-stalker-games-update-following-gamespy-shut/#comments
Developers continue to scramble to update their legacy products in the wake of GameSpy's recent server shutdown, with Unreal Tournament 3 and the STALKER trilogy emerging as the latest games to update in order to maintain online play.

Epic Games has released a replacement executable for Unreal Tournament 3 that redirects online play requests to the game's new in-house master server. The fix works for both the retail and Steam versions of the game, and requires players to re-register their previous user names.

The remaining developers at shuttered studio GSC Game World have also launched their own dedicated server for the STALKER series, releasing a series of patches with updated multiplayer clients for Shadow of Chernobyl, Clear Sky, and Call of Pripyat. Steam players will receive all needed updates automatically.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>epic-gamesgamespygsc-game-worldmultiplayerpatchpcserver-shutdownstalkerunreal-tournament-3updateMon, 02 Jun 2014 13:05:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-humans-must-answer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-humans-must-answer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/the-joystiq-indie-pitch-humans-must-answer/#commentsIndie developers are the starving artists of the video-game world, often brilliant and innovative, but also misunderstood, underfunded and more prone to writing free-form poetry on their LiveJournals. This week, former GSC developer and co-founder of Sumom Games, Eugeny Yatsuk, talks space chickens and shmups with Humans Must Answer. The babies are Yatsuk, co-founder Denis Matveenko and artist Olexa, by Olexa.

What's your game called and what's it about?

Humans Must Answer. It's a shmup, and one most will recognize as having an old-school vibe about it. You play as the pilot of a scout ship called The Golden Eagle, which is manned by chickens - they like to think they're a higher species of bird than they are.

They're on the lookout for something (we're not saying quite yet) and discover it within the solar system that us humans inhabit. As it is set far into the future, humans have expanded to the other planets and set up a number of industries upon them. They also have a huge legion of robots operating for them around space. So the enemies you'll come across consist of robots and humans. Yes, humans are enemies - there are far too many plots about evil aliens when, in fact, humans are most likely more evil than anything we could fictionalize.

The chickens attempt to contact them in a friendly manner but the humans respond by firing at them, which isn't particularly nice. They live to regret it though because we let you, the player, go on an explosive rampage against the aggressors. There is a purpose behind it other than mere carnage though, but that doesn't appear until later in the game's narrative.

How does working on your own indie project compare to working on a larger series such as S.T.A.L.K.E.R.?

Very different. Faster decisions and far fewer constraints. It's a very good feeling to be the author and be responsible for all aspects of the game, and not just some cogs as part of a big company.

I know some guys who work on bigger projects and ownership of their creations boils down to things like, "I made that table and chair on Level 25." You start to fear for yourself when hearing this and want to avoid ever being in that situation. When I am 40 years old I'll look at what I have created in my life. I hope to be proud of it.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>greenlightgscGSC-Game-Worldhumans-must-answerigfigf-2013joystiq-indie-pitchpcsteam-greenlightsumom-gamesukraineSun, 04 Nov 2012 22:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-vets-form-new-studio-working-on-mmofps-called-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-vets-form-new-studio-working-on-mmofps-called-su/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/25/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-vets-form-new-studio-working-on-mmofps-called-su/#commentsVeterans of Ukrainian developer GSC Game World, developers of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, have formed a new studio called Vostock Games. The company will be developing a massively multiplayer online first-person shooter called Survarium. As RockPaperShotgun reports, it will be a Stalker-like MMOFPS, as the company was unable to secure the rights to the Stalker franchise.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gscGSC-Game-Worldpcstalker-2SurvariumVostockVostock-GamesWed, 25 Apr 2012 17:15:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-animation-reel-spotted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-animation-reel-spotted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-animation-reel-spotted/#commentsThe animation video above, the work of animator Sergey Zhukov, was posted on the official S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Twitter account today. He has left GSC Game World, but according to the Twitter account "his work remains." What, like on Twitter? Sure, stuff posted there remains for the longest.

After reports in late 2011 that GSC had closed its doors, spokesperson Oleg Yavorsky said a cancelation wasn't certain and outlined plans to seek funding to finish the game (so, where's the Kickstarter?). We've contacted GSC for a statement -- should we read this animation reel as proof of life? -- and will update accordingly.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gsc-game-worldpcstalker-2Mon, 09 Apr 2012 23:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-still-in-development-gsc-seeking-funds-to-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-still-in-development-gsc-seeking-funds-to-cont/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-still-in-development-gsc-seeking-funds-to-cont/#commentsS.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2is still in development, GSC Game World announced via the official S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Facebook page, writing, "The Stalker team is extremely happy! Why? Because we are continuing work on Stalker 2 after the holidays." GSC is celebrating, for now -- spokesperson Oleg Yavorsky said GSC is still seeking funding to support S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, according to a statement published by Edge.

"We are hopeful things turn out well eventually," Yavorsky said. "The team really wants to see S.T.A.L.K.E.R. continue."

In December, GSC responded to rumors that it would be shut down, saying that there was cause for hope and to await news in January. Things seem to be going well at the moment, but we have contacted GSC for clarification on its financial situation and the continued development of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closureGSC-Game-Worldoleg-yavorskypcstalker-2Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-devs-there-is-cause-for-hope-more-news-in-jan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-devs-there-is-cause-for-hope-more-news-in-jan/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/23/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-devs-there-is-cause-for-hope-more-news-in-jan/#comments
GSC Game World, developer of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, was rumored to have shut down earlier this month, a move that would have affected roughly 45 employees. However, GSC still appears to be alive and kicking wiggling its legs slightly, announcing via Twitter that "there is cause for hope!"

In the same tweet, GSC said it "will not be releasing any official news until around mid January," which suggests the studio will still be running in some capacity at least until then. GSC was developing S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, and we can only hope for some good news in January from the studio.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closureGSC-Game-Worldhopelayoffspcs.t.a.l.k.e.r.stalker-2Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:45:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/rumor-s-t-a-l-k-e-r-developer-gsc-shut-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/rumor-s-t-a-l-k-e-r-developer-gsc-shut-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/09/rumor-s-t-a-l-k-e-r-developer-gsc-shut-down/#comments
Ukrainian developer GSC Game World, creators of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, have reportedly shut down. The details regarding the closure are currently very s.k.e.t.c.h.y. UkraNews reports, citing sources, that CEO Sergei Grigorovich told the staff in a meeting this morning that he had decided to close the company. GSC is said to have had between 40-50 employees.

RockPaperShotgun, which has been on top of this story, got in touch with GSC and obtained the ominous: "Sorry, no comments at this point."

STALKER 2 was expected to launch sometime in 2012. We'll update as more information becomes available.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GSC-Game-WorldlayoffspcStalkerstalker-2stalker-call-of-pripyatFri, 09 Dec 2011 12:20:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-will-have-always-on-drm-but-its-out-of-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-will-have-always-on-drm-but-its-out-of-love/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/08/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-2-will-have-always-on-drm-but-its-out-of-love/#commentsS.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 will use always-on DRM as "protection from piracy," GSC Game World head Sergey Grigorovich said. A permanent internet connection will be required to load information, codes and quests, much like previous DRM systems from Ubisoft.

"Software piracy is an issue for us; we try to fight it, but within reason," Grigorovich said. "If people can not afford a licensed version, it is to our advantage if they download a pirated copy and then want to buy a license. In Ukraine, there are different products that people love so much that they buy a license in principle. We want to create just such a product."

Studios know fans don't enjoy always-on DRM, and their insistence on using it must mean it works in some capacity. We don't think it's the way to create "products that people love so much," but it's definitely great at making fans suspicious and bitter.

[Update] GSC has clarified its intentions via Twitter: "DRM was only mentioned as a possibility, not a choice." GSC also issued a statement to Rock, Paper, Shotgun: "The idea of implementing DRM came in as a possible anti-piracy solution. You know the severe level of commercial piracy we have here in ex-USSR region. This said however, there is no firm decision to go for DRM with S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 as of now. Be assured, we do realize how uncomfortable this solution is for the players, so we'll continue looking for most effective, yet acceptable for all, way of protecting the game by the time of its release."

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DRMGSC-Game-Worldstalker-2UbisoftSat, 08 Oct 2011 14:30:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/hunt-down-stalker-shadow-of-chernobyl-for-99-cents/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/hunt-down-stalker-shadow-of-chernobyl-for-99-cents/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/hunt-down-stalker-shadow-of-chernobyl-for-99-cents/#commentsMicrosoft's ridiculous Games for Windows Live holiday promotion continues, offering another game for a price worth paying even if you don't care about the game, or don't know what the game is! Today, it's S.T.A.L.K.E.R, on sale for 99 cents.

It's the perfect time to catch up with the goings-on in desolate, irradiated future Chernobyl before the sequel arrives in 2012 -- or, if you're like us, it's the perfect time to add yet another game to your near-infinite backlog. It's better than spending full price for a game you'll never play, right?

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>games-for-windows-livegsc-game-worldpcShadow-of-ChernobylStalker-Shadow-of-ChernobylthqMon, 06 Dec 2010 22:20:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/russian-stalker-tv-series-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/russian-stalker-tv-series-teased/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/11/russian-stalker-tv-series-teased/#commentsA teaser site has revealed that a TV series based on the Stalker FPS franchise is being developed for Russian television. The site is called "KinoS.T.A.L.K.E.R." ("kino" meaning "film" in Russian), has both an English and a Russian section, and was linked to by Ukraine's GSC Game World's Facebook profile. There's also a trailer on the site, subtitled in English, though it's hard to tell what's going on with all the series standards in there -- including mutants, darkness, and explosions aplenty.

Still, the site clearly states that there is a "TV series coming soon" based on the property, which itself takes influence from Andrei Tarkovsky's 1979 film, as well as the old science fiction story "Roadside Picnic." Stalker fans will probably be happy to hear that the series will mutate into yet another form of media.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>GSC-Game-WorldrussiaStalkerstalker-2teasertrailertv-seriesThu, 11 Nov 2010 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-bundle-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-bundle-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/21/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-bundle-is-75-off-on-steam-this-weekend/#comments
Two parts of GSC Game World's eerie FPS series -- set in an alternate-reality Chernobyl following a second nuclear meltdown -- can be yours on the super cheap. Both the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyland follow-up S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyatare bundled together for only $10 on Steam through Monday. (The S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky prequel game is not part of the bundle; but it's is available separately for $10 on Steam.)

The full-on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 sequel was recently announced and scheduled for release in 2012. While that gives you plenty of time to get to caught up, this weekend Steam sale might just be the excuse you were looking for to book your first trip to Chernobyl. That whole nuclear meltdown incident made it quite a lovely place for scavenging, trespassing, adventuring, loner-ing, killing, exploring and robbing. See what we did there?

Developer GSC Game World has just revealed an official sequel to the popular first-person shooter, STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl, is currently in development. A statement on the developer's official site hints at console support this time around, stating a "completely new multi-platform technology developed by GSC will make the core of the game." So long X-ray engine!

"After the official sales of the series exceeded 4 million copies worldwide, we had no doubts left to start creating a new big game in the STALKER universe," said Sergiy Grygorovych, CEO of GSC Game World. "This will be the next chapter of the mega-popular game players expect from us." STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl launched in 2007 and was followed up by a prequel in 2008, called STALKER: Clear Sky. Earlier this year, GSC Game World launched STALKER: Shadow of Chernobyl, an expansion that continued the events of Shadow of Chernobyl.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gsc-game-worldpcstalkerstalker-2Stalker-Shadow-of-ChernobylFri, 13 Aug 2010 17:40:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/final-day-of-steam-holiday-sale-wraps-up-the-best-sellers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/final-day-of-steam-holiday-sale-wraps-up-the-best-sellers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/final-day-of-steam-holiday-sale-wraps-up-the-best-sellers/#comments
Okay, this is it: The penultimate batch of offers in the long-running Steam Holiday Sale. For the final day of the long-running promotion, Valve has elected to re-encheapen some of the games that sold like hotcakes in the sale's earlier one-day discounts. Until 9 a.m. PST tomorrow, the following games will be available for the following prices:

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockdealdefense-griddefense-grid-the-awakeningFPSgrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivGSC-Game-Worldkilling-floorleft-4-deadleft-4-dead-2saleShadow-of-Chernobylstalkerstalker-shadow-of-chernobylsteamTHQtorchlightvalvevalve-softwareSun, 03 Jan 2010 13:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/stalker-shadow-of-chernobyl-at-5-on-steam-until-monday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/stalker-shadow-of-chernobyl-at-5-on-steam-until-monday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/stalker-shadow-of-chernobyl-at-5-on-steam-until-monday/#comments
The highly under-appreciated shooter S.T.A.L.K.E.R: Shadow of Chernobyl is on sale for the low price of $5 on Valve's Steam platform until Monday. Developed by Ukrainian-based GSC Game World, the 2007 shooter takes place in an alternate reality where a second nuclear disaster takes place in at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine.

Normally priced at $19.99, Shadow of Chernobyl is a steal at $5; however, as solid as the FPS is, it also includes numerous video game storyline cliches like an amnesiac protagonist and flesh-hunting mutants. Where are all the games with flesh-hunting amnesiac mutants, right?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bargainsFPSgsc-game-worldsalesShadow-of-Chernobylstalkerstalker-shadow-of-chernobylsteamthqTue, 27 Oct 2009 23:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-call-of-pripyat-irradiating-pcs-first-quarter-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-call-of-pripyat-irradiating-pcs-first-quarter-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-call-of-pripyat-irradiating-pcs-first-quarter-20/#comments
We've mused on the subject before, but we're still a bit bewildered that a third game set in the shadow of a two-time nuclear fallout zone is on its way in the form of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Call of Pripyat. Sure, the series has twice proven itself to be an enjoyable blend of creepy atmosphere and technical prowess, but between all the guns and high doses of radiation, how is anyone left to talk about? The game's developer, GSC Gameworld, is busy figuring out that problem, effectively pushing back the game to a "first quarter 2010" release, according to the game page on publisher bitComposer's website.

In the meantime, to help sate your need for more S.T.A.L.K.E.R., the company has updated its thrilling PC requirements spec sheet for the game, which we've dropped after the break.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bitcomposerbitcomposer-gamescall-of-pripyatFPSGSC-Game-Worldgsc-gameworldrelease-datespecsstalkerstalker-call-of-pripyatViva-MediaWed, 23 Sep 2009 17:57:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/namco-bringing-stalker-call-of-prypiat-to-pcs-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/namco-bringing-stalker-call-of-prypiat-to-pcs-this-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/19/namco-bringing-stalker-call-of-prypiat-to-pcs-this-november/#commentsclick to E.N.L.A.R.G.E.
In its GamesCom press conference in Germany this morning, Namco Bandai revealed that it would be handling publishing duties for GSC Game World's latest entry in the STALKER series, titled STALKER: Call of Prypiat. Scheduled for release in November 2009 for PCs only (where's the console love?), this "standalone expansion" contains approximately seven to nine hours of gameplay -- "more if you want to explore the free world." It's not clear if Namco is handling publishing duties outside of Europe, but we'll update this post when we find out.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsGamesCom-2009GSC-Game-WorldNamco-BandaiSTALKERStalker-Call-of-PrypiatWed, 19 Aug 2009 11:36:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-call-of-pripyat-gets-official-site-specs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-call-of-pripyat-gets-official-site-specs/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/18/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-call-of-pripyat-gets-official-site-specs/#comments
We just don't get upcoming stand-alone expansion S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat. Not only are people hanging out in irradiated Ukraine after the second Chernobyl disaster, there's apparently enough of them for three games in this series. Also, did you see the part where that was the second Chernobyl disaster? What more do you people need?

If you're one of the slow ones still waiting for the real estate market around Chernobyl to pick up, you may be interested to hear that CoP has just gotten an official site as well as the specs needed to play the game, which you can find after the break. Feel free to check them out, but might we suggest those clicks might be better spent booking the first flight out of there?

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpsgsc-game-worldstalkerstalker-call-of-pripyatMon, 18 May 2009 21:10:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-stand-alone-expansion-call-of-pripyat-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-stand-alone-expansion-call-of-pripyat-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/01/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-stand-alone-expansion-call-of-pripyat-detailed/#comments
The Ukraine continues to be a popular tourist trap for mutants and Geiger counter salesmen. GSC Game World will again revisit the Eastern European country in S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat, an upcoming "stand-alone expansion" to S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. The Escapist recently culled some rad details on the upcoming title from the pages of Russian mag Gameplay, which reportedly referred to the game as a sequel set just days after the events depicted in the 2007 original.

Among the particulars is information that players won't be able to side with factions this time around, with more 'varied' and 'detailed' side quests promised instead. Day and night cycles are also said to figure more prominently in the game, with the article claiming that the developers are aiming to fix "mistakes" made in both the first game and its prequel, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky. Check out the full translation, as well as scans from the magazine on the FPSBanana forums while we wait in our lead bunker for S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Call of Pripyat to drop sometime this fall.

We know the news of a brief delay for the much-anticipated prequel to GSC Game World's S.T.A.L.K.E.R.must be disheartening for fans of the title -- however, those same fans will probably be pleased to know of the heartbreak that Clear Sky's delay will ultimately prevent. It seems that publisher Deep Purple Silver recalled copies of the title that had been distributed to North American retailers due to a printing error that left the cases sans CD keys. Apparently, those things are kinda important.

Deep Silver explained that the delay would only push the game's North American Sept. 5 release back "a few days" (the European release date is unaffected by the printing snafu), though a few retailers are listing Sept. 15 as the new launch date. We know you're jonesing for some further adventures in Chernobyl, but don't do anything brash. We wouldn't suggest playing laser tag in a poorly maintained nuclear waste repository, for instance.

With the sun setting on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. prequel Clear Sky's development, GSC Game World has let us know that it's finally safe to venture outside -- provided you're packing enough firepower to keep the ravenous and irrevocably irradiated hordes at bay. The anticipated FPS is finally dawn done and should be taking us for a first-person stroll through Chernobyl's utterly charming neighborhood on September 5th (yes, that counts as a minor delay).

If you're the sort who can tell your GPU from your PPU (doesn't that fit into the SKU?), you should be pleased to note that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky will feature support for both DirectX 9 and DirectX 10 chipsets. You'll be wanting those hideously deformed mutants to look their best when they tear your throat out.

With S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky shipping worldwide on August 29, Deep Silver has announced that it will handle publishing duties in North America for developer GSC Game World's upcoming prequel to 2007's S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl. We think it's particularly interesting that Deep Silver, a UK-based studio that only established a US footprint last month in Los Angeles, has been trusted to steer the game's North American debut instead of THQ, which handled the original game's release last year.

As the latest in GSC's considerable plans for the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. universe, the game promises a "what-if" look at the events leading up to last year's FPS/RPG hybrid, and according to Deep Silver was "created as a warning to mankind against mindless play with technologies" -- especially, we assume, any tech that can give rise to hordes of radioactive beasties.

PC gamers will be frolicking through the radioactive wastelands of Chernobyl once more with the release of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Clear Sky, now set for August 29th. The post-apocalyptic prequel promises "an alternative look" into the events of 2007's S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl, pitting players against radioactive decay and mutated creatures with one too many of something. Probably teeth. Also, it's apparently "set in 2011 and brings forth the events to have preceded the third campaign of Strelok to the Zone center." Exciting!

Developer GSC Game World aims to ship the shooter simultaneously worldwide "according to the agreed plan." If said plan falls through, there's always the consolation of the game's day and date release on Steam.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Clear-SkyGSC-Game-WorldPCStalkerStalker-Clear-SkySteamThu, 27 Mar 2008 16:00:00 ESThttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-port-may-be-destined-for-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-port-may-be-destined-for-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/s-t-a-l-k-e-r-port-may-be-destined-for-360/#commentsAgain, we find ourselves in the awkward position of looking up a PC game to find out whether or not we should be interested in it. You see, another PC developer, in this case GSC Game World, has gotten all cozy with the Xbox 360. The company, responsible for the recent PC FPS S.T.A.L.K.E.R., has announced that it is now officially a certified Xbox 360 developer. So, now we're looking up S.T.A.L.K.E.R. to see if we should be excited. We seem to remember reading the name on Joystiq quite a bit a while back ... oh, look at that! It has an 82 average on Metacritic, so that's a good sign, right?

We should probably mention that GSC has not announced that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. is headed to the 360, but it makes sense to us. Then again, so did Pogs. And we all knew how that turned out.

When a needlessly cryptic countdown appears on a website built to promote a specific title, we naturally assume that it's counting down to a release date. But without an official confirmation, we're a bit hesitant to call the clock currently running on the S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Shadow of Chernobyl website a release countdown. We've been scorned before, baby. We know your dirty little tricks.

Originally announced in 2001, GSC Game World's S.T.A.L.K.E.R has been the recipient of many a vaporware award throughout its illustrious career of back burning. Having consulted the Joystiq abacus, we have determined that the countdown ends on March 22nd, 2007. What will happen exactly is up in the air. It could be a release date, or possibly even a demo of the game. It could even be an announcement of an announcement! S.T.A.L.K.E.R to be retooled into a Daikatana expansion pack confirmed!